Roster predictions ahead of US friendlies

When the United States take on Poland on Oct. 9 and Colombia on Oct. 12, it will mark the genuine beginning of Bob Bradley's second tenure as the US national team's head coach.

The European leagues will be on a break, meaning he can call on his regulars across the Pond – although expect elder statesmen Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey and Steve Cherundolo to stay with their clubs. Also, even though it's not quite time for Conor Doyle or Mikkel Diskerud to make their senior debut, some new faces will join the proceedings.

The MLS season will be in full swing, so the Red Bulls' Tim Ream will likely miss out, but Bradley can call some players from teams already eliminated from playoff contention.

Here's how we think Bob Bradley's 23-man roster will look for the friendlies:

Goalkeepers (3)

Tim Howard - Everton are struggling, but the American No. 1 will still make the trip back to the US.

Brad Guzan - The Aston Villa backup deserves a start if for no other reason than it will help him impress European club managers.

Sean Johnson - Marcus Hahnemann can stay in Europe while the Chicago Fire rookie gets his first taste of the national team (assuming his club side won't make the playoffs).

Defenders (8)

Omar Gonzalez - The Los Angeles Galaxy don't play during this international break, which gives Gonzalez a prime opportunity to build on his start against Brazil.

Jay DeMerit - The former Watford captain still needs a team, but the Nats will do for now.

Oguchi Onyewu - There's a chance the big center back will stay in Italy and try to break through at AC Milan, but he needs the game reps Bradley will give him.